I already know of the cut groove system but I dont want to risk weakening my boards. I thought I might try a thin cloth material about 1cm wide to run down the leading edge and glue and fasten it 160mm past half way point on the boards to be able to raise them completely. This cloth would go through the raising pully and tie onto rope to extend across the tramp.
Actually this year I saw just such a sysem introduced to the EU Blade F16's. It was first tried on some A-cats I believe. It seems to work well.
The tape is however glued to the boards somewhere in the middle of the cord and not the leading egde.
I didn't ask about the exact type of type material used. It was woven but felt smooth nevertheless.
I don't think a pully or block was even used. The tape just rested on the hull and that was it. But I'll have to check. Won't be able to do that till sailing season starts here in EU, april 2007.
Wouter
